“If any of the people, either men or women, take the special vow of a Nazirite, setting themselves apart to the Lord in a special way,” – Numbers 6:2 NIV
When taking on any commitment of discipline, constant accountability is critical to success. The best in any sport, arts or entertainment keep their laser focus and keep practicing until they get it perfect. It is documented that many of the greats commit 10,000 hours to their interest before they become truly great. The Nazirites were dialed in with similar focus. The long hair gave it away. Can I be identified in my vow and commitment to Him?
‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ – Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Some of my favorite images are those of smiling on someone. When a parent is truly proud the achievement of a child or they do something completely unexpectedly thoughtful for another and it largely goes unnoticed. At weddings when the bride first enters the church, I love to take a minute to see the groom’s face. He is often taken aback and cannot contain his excitement. These are the priceless smiles the Father has for me. Shower down Your grace, O Lord. You are not just being gracious like I do when hosting a dinner party. You give Me grace and peace in abundance beyond anything that the world can. Take a deep breath and breathe it in.
You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, – Song 4:7,9 NIV
I want to be a newlywed with you again, Lord.
None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened[c]— burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require. Psalm 40:5-6 NIV
How deep the Father’s Love for us! He gives it without reservation and without requiring anything at all. The return of mutual feeling is the love that comes more easily. Love is a choice that sometimes is difficult. How free is my gift of love to others? This is where I want to focus today, this week, this month, this year.
7 So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. Heb 4:7, 11 NIV
The refreshment that comes with rest in God is what is often missing when I have trouble giving the free love I want. Checking boxes and being “productive” is only fruitful if I give time to truly rest in God’s presence.
Lord, free me of distractions to truly rest in you today. Renew in me the love I had at first. “You are altogether beautiful.” Amen
Sixty-six books in a year 